1. Introductiona Currently the Namibian Communal land is under overgrazing pressure, because the majority of the Namibian population are residing in communal areas. As a result of over population, there are no proper land management and or pasture management existing. Animals and animal products from the north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) are not allowed to be marketed south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence or be exported to the EU market; this resulted from prevalence history of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and other scheduled diseases on those areas. After independence the Namibian Government is challenged to resettle the landless Namibians and to reduce poverty among its citizens. It was for these reasons that the concept of development of communal land was developed.

2. Aims/ Benefits

To reduce existing overgrazing pressure on communal land, through proper land and pasture management mechanisms.

To resettle landless Namibians and integrate them into the country’s economic stream.

To afford the farmers, especially those at the north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence an opportunity for an export market, by controlling animal movements.

To reduce rural poverty.

3. Location

The project is envisaged to be located in the following regions: Ohangwena, Omaheke, Caprivi, Kavango, Otjozondjupa and Oshikoto regions.

A total number of 231 Farms have been surveyed and demarcated in Caprivi, Kavango and Oshana regions.

4. Prospective terms The farms are allocated under leasehold for a period prescribed in the lease agreement (i.e. between a lessor and lessee). If the lease exceeds 50 ha and more than 10 years, the lease has to be approved by the Minister of Lands Resettlement.

5. Allocation Procedures Step 1 The Ministry of Lands and Resettlements is responsible for surveying and demarcation of identified areas.

Step 2 After the plots have been demarcated the Communal Land Boards, where farms are situated advertise the availability of these farms/ regionally and nationally.

Step 3 Interested Namibians apply for Leaseholds to the Communal Land Boards in the prescribed forms i.e. (Form 5 for transforming PTOs into Leasehold applications) the forms are available at all the Ministry’s Regional Offices, Ministry of Lands and Resettlement Head Office, Windhoek.

Step 4 The Communal Land Board will approach the Traditional Authority in whose jurisdiction the farm/s is situated for a letter of consent if the applicant has not approached the Traditional Authority for recommendation.

Step 5 The Communal Land Board will scrutinize the applications and select candidates who may be allocated the farms or make recommendations to the minister if the lease exceeds 50 ha and a period of lease is more than 10 years.

Step 6 If the lease exceeds 50 ha or a period of lease is more than 10 years, the Board forwards the application to the Division of Land Boards Tenure and Advice (Windhoek) for submission to the Honourable Minister’s Office for approval.

Step 7 If an application is approved, the LBTA Division prepares a Lease agreement that has to be signed by both parties (i.e. the Minister responsible for land Affairs and the Lessor)

Step 8 After the comments have been received from the Honourable Minister, the Division then communicates the decision (allocation or rejection) to the concerned Communal Land Board.

Step 9 If the application has been approved by the Minister, the Communal Land Board signs a Deed of Leasehold with the applicant and issues a certificate.